www.China-Defense.com

Well kids, this has taken some time and effort to pour through about 25 or so different sources but this looks like the most plausible events.

NOTE: This does not deal with the accident itself. I doubt if we will ever know (to the satisfaction of each side) the actual events of the collision. Perhaps it is best to just say it was an accident and carry on from there.

After the accident the US plane was escorted to Hainan Island. Having declared emergency, the US plane was escorted by the remaining PLAAF J8 to the air base. The fighter jet first circled the air base to indicate where the EP-3 was to land then it landed so the EP-3 pilot can see what runway to use and gauges conditions. This provided the absolute best in safety for the US plane. A big thanks to the second pilot.... he did not have to do that, but he did it anyway.

The civilian leadership at Beijing had already decided to immediately turn the plane and crew over to the US as a gesture of friendship and goodwill then write the whole thing off as a terrible accident. The Military leadership asked for a 48-hour delay so they can inspect the plane. This was granted. (Personally I see no problem with this. The PRC would have been fools NOT to checks out the latest in US intelligence gathering equipment. The US would do the same if positions were reversed).

Now comes the part that screwed this whole thing up. Had the Premier of the PRC or the President of the USA gotten on the phone and talked about this issue to each other, then the US president can go on TV and say there was an accident, our people are safe and are being cared for by the PRC. We expect to talk to our people in a day or so when we get our diplomat to Hainan Island. We are sorry for the loss of the pilot. Then 2 days later PRC sends aircrew home and lets US fixes the plane and fly away.

Instead, because no communication between the 2 leaders, George W. Bush comes on TV and insists PRC give plane and crew back. This backs PRC into a corner. If they now stick to original plan and send crew home on day 2, then it looks like PRC give in to US demands. PRC responds with: we want an apology; which for reasons I have described elsewhere; the US will not give under perceived threat.

Now we are in standoff, each side trying to save face. All this because 2 men don't pick up the phone and talk before shooting mouths off to the press.

In conclusion, I see 2 people equally at fault for this: The President of the US and The Premier of China.

It is comforting to US that PRC is taking care of crew, allowing more visits by embassy staff, and being most courteous to US aircrew.

Now if all the rhetoric, junior government people on each side (US congress and whatever passes as same for PRC) just shut up and let the ambassadors work it out, all will be well.

As for the collision; it's not the first time, nor will it be the last (unfortunately) that this kind of thing happens. It is the nature of the beast in today's world. Each side should be proud of their servicemen, but it is time to conclude this and get on with life.